West Cape May Elementary Students to Perfom ‘Wizard of Oz’

WEST CAPE MAY — Thur., March 29 at 7 p.m., enter the wonderful world of “The Wizard of Oz” at West Cape May Elementary School, 301 Moore St., West Cape May, performed by 20 students under the direction of East Lynne Theater Company’s artistic director, Gayle Stahlhuth, assisted by technical director, Lee O’Connor. The script is based on the L. Frank Baum classic, complete with Dorothy, the Wicked Witch, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and the Tin Woodsman.
The residency began Tues., March 20, with a few acting exercises, reading the script, and everyone writing down what three parts they would like to play. The next day, based on the above information, Gayle assigned roles and rehearsals began. Parents, teachers, and students, along with Gayle and Lee, are on hand to create the set, props, and costumes. After only eight hours of rehearsal, the students perform with lines learned, blocking complete, props in place and costumes done.
This is the sixth year Gayle has been able to provide this acting residency and performance for West Cape May Elementary School due to funding from New Jersey Theatre Alliances’ (NJTA) “Stages Festival.” NJTA is the statewide consortium of professional theaters in the Garden State, of which East Lynne Theater Company is a proud member. For an up-to-the-minute schedule of “Stages Festival” events throughout March, visit the website at www.stagesfestival.org.
Admission to “The Wizard of Oz” is free and open to the public, but donations of paper products for The Food Closet will be gratefully accepted.
Fri., March 23 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., an ELTC favorite, Tom Byrn, is giving an acting class for ages 16 on up, at The First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St., Cape May, where ELTC is in residence. No experience necessary, but reservations are appreciated. ELTC is able to offer this class free of charge, due to funding from the “Stage Festival.” Meanwhile, two of ELTC’s touring productions are on the road, also due to this funding.
For reservations and information about these and other East Lynne Theater Company events, contact the theater at 884-5898 or online at www.eastlynnetheater.org.